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_rowena_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
syddey_syd's review
adventurous
fast-paced
3.75
Okayyyyyy things are starting to move in this series-long storyline! I definitely see how Reign and Ruin set up this second book (and the ones to follow). It felt like things moved more in this book, probably because it was more centred on action.
I really enjoyed Aysel’s POV and her relationship with Bashir. Though in general I don’t like romances with short timelines, this one I didn’t mind. Their respect of each other probably played into that (and their opposites-attract-chemistry).
I’m more hyped to read the third book than I was the second, so here’s hoping it continues to get even better!
I really enjoyed Aysel’s POV and her relationship with Bashir. Though in general I don’t like romances with short timelines, this one I didn’t mind. Their respect of each other probably played into that (and their opposites-attract-chemistry).
I’m more hyped to read the third book than I was the second, so here’s hoping it continues to get even better!
neuropoet's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
miranewby's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
krissymartini's review against another edition
4.0
I was looking forward to this one, as I really enjoyed the first in this series. It was good, although not quite as good as the first. The political elements felt a little like they were treading water - a few of the beats repeated and I just wanted to get on with it. The romance was a little insta-lusty for me BUT I did buy that they were soulmates, so I forgave the quick attraction. There was enough push and pull to keep me interested.
I look forward to the next book!
I look forward to the next book!
taychess13's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
samlynneyikes's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kyrann95's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
archaeomancer's review
Dnf for now, but I just could not get over several key aspects of this one. I *adored* the first book and was super excited for the rest of the series. I was a bit hesitant because massive size difference between male and female main characters is NOT my jam at ALL, I like normal sized people, or heaven forbid maybe a woman who is tall and muscular herself. But this one promised to be more action oriented, which is usually my thing!
In the end I MUCH preferred the political push and pull and the downrigh incredible world building of the first book! And the *yearning* was so good, a fire that slowly ramped up. This book is basically insta love, and a level of neediness from the man and a literally overwhelming desire to protect the main woman, to the point where he is mad even THINKING that she may choose freedom over him. Which sits very poorly with me, that a woman had to choose between her family, her (let's be honest) fairly basic attraction to man she barely knows, and her freedom.
That's another thing, the Sultana in this book, the main character of the first one, seems to throw her character out the window for this one and attempts to make a woman from a foreign country, that SHE herself herself helped create civil war in, and who her lover trusts, either join her magic circle or leave forever. Her reasoning also feels flimsy, like why didn't her own lover have the same ultimatum?
I also just don't understand massive body size difference appeal especially for sex. The two don't fit well together and have to Rearrange in odd ways. And their love is very new and physical, which is fine, but the level of attachment the man gets, to the point of being upset with possibly being left behind when his lover is forced into a corner, or even at the thought of her being hurt despite her prowess in fighting, was just too much. There was no yearning, very little world building, miscommunication, and deus ex machina personal revelations that just felt forced.
In the end I MUCH preferred the political push and pull and the downrigh incredible world building of the first book! And the *yearning* was so good, a fire that slowly ramped up. This book is basically insta love, and a level of neediness from the man and a literally overwhelming desire to protect the main woman, to the point where he is mad even THINKING that she may choose freedom over him. Which sits very poorly with me, that a woman had to choose between her family, her (let's be honest) fairly basic attraction to man she barely knows, and her freedom.
That's another thing, the Sultana in this book, the main character of the first one, seems to throw her character out the window for this one and attempts to make a woman from a foreign country, that SHE herself herself helped create civil war in, and who her lover trusts, either join her magic circle or leave forever. Her reasoning also feels flimsy, like why didn't her own lover have the same ultimatum?
I also just don't understand massive body size difference appeal especially for sex. The two don't fit well together and have to Rearrange in odd ways. And their love is very new and physical, which is fine, but the level of attachment the man gets, to the point of being upset with possibly being left behind when his lover is forced into a corner, or even at the thought of her being hurt despite her prowess in fighting, was just too much. There was no yearning, very little world building, miscommunication, and deus ex machina personal revelations that just felt forced.
harmah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0